Bastian led the way down a narrow, dim hallway, the floorboards barely creaking beneath his heavy boots. We stopped outside a plain wooden door at the far end of the corridor.
"There are only a couple of bedrooms here," Bastian whispered, pulling a brass key from his pocket and placing it into my palm. "But, of course, you get one to yourself."
Before I could reply, he held a single finger up to his lips, giving me a knowing glance that signaled for total silence. I couldn't help the small smile that broke across my face. He gave my shoulder a quick, reassuring squeeze before turning on his heel to head back toward the front room.
I quietly fitted the key into the lock, turning it until the deadbolt gave a soft click. Slipping inside, I scanned the dimly lit room. The space was small—ju
